View on BreakBulkNews.
Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (THI), the Philippine subsidiary of Japan’s Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, has launched what it claims is the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier. The vessel touched water on July 17 at THI’s Slipway No. 2 in West Cebu Estate.
Although the name and ownership of the vessel remain undisclosed, the company confirmed the ship is expected to begin its maiden voyage in January 2026. At 229 meters in length and approximately 93,000 cubic meters in cargo capacity, the vessel is designed to meet the operational constraints of key bulk terminals—most notably Kamsar Port in Guinea, which has a strict 230-meter length and 10.5-meter draft limit.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, a major Japanese yard with production sites in Japan, the Philippines, and China, said the new Kamsarmax unit is part of its broader push to offer sustainable vessel options. This includes cutting emissions while maintaining commercial viability for operators moving iron ore, coal, grain, and other bulk commodities.
The bulker is equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of running on both methanol and conventional fuel, enabling operators to reduce emissions significantly. Compared to traditional fuel systems, methanol operation can cut CO₂ emissions by 10%, nitrogen oxides by 80%, and sulfur oxides by 99%. When running on green methanol—produced from renewable sources like biomass or electrolysis—the environmental gains are even greater.
The launch of this Kamsarmax follows an earlier milestone by the shipbuilder in May this year, when it delivered the Green Future, the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Ultramax bulk carrier. That 65,700-deadweight-ton ship was built at Tsuneishi’s Fukuyama factory in Japan and is now operated by Kambara Kisen under charter to NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers, a subsidiary of the NYK Group. The Green Future was registered in Liberia and features Tsuneishi’s proprietary TESS66 AEROLINE hull form, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces water resistance.
Tsuneishi’s work with methanol is not limited to bulkers. In 2023, the company received an order for four 5,900 TEU containerships designed to run on methanol. The construction of the first vessel began in April this year at Zhoushan Tsuneishi Shipbuilding in China, marked by the initial block loading event. At 5,900 TEU, these vessels will be the largest container carriers ever built by the company. They will be equipped with main and auxiliary engines capable of running entirely on methanol, and designed to operate with alternative marine power systems while in port—minimizing emissions even during berthing.
The strategic deployment of methanol-fuelled ships marks a steady evolution in Tsuneishi’s approach to emissions compliance and future fuel transitions. Methanol, a cleaner-burning fuel that requires fewer infrastructure changes than LNG or ammonia, has gained traction as a transitional marine energy source due to its availability, manageable storage requirements, and cleaner lifecycle emissions—particularly when derived from renewable or waste sources.
These developments come as shipowners and operators face mounting regulatory pressure under the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization goals. From the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings to the looming emissions trading schemes, fleet modernization decisions are no longer about preference—they’re about compliance and long-term survival in a carbon-constrained economy.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding’s investment in dual-fuel engine integration and methanol-specific design parameters signals its intent to lead in this shifting landscape. Whether for dry bulkers or box ships, the company appears to be betting on methanol as a practical path forward. With yards operating in multiple countries and a supply chain anchored in Asia, Tsuneishi is well-positioned to meet regional and global demand for low-emission newbuilds across various tonnage classes.
The newly launched methanol-fuelled Kamsarmax, once operational, will serve as a significant test case for both shipowners and charterers evaluating real-world performance, cost-efficiency, and port infrastructure compatibility of methanol-based operations.
